5- String Development

5-String Model Development

October 2016

I’ve become an expert on 5-string conversions of violins and violas. I’ve made more than a dozen Northern Sun Fiddolas, which are regular sized violins that I receive in the white and convert to 5 string, varnish, and set up. I’m thrilled to be finally putting my experience to work and developing a 5-string violin of my own. I used a long pattern Strad as a starting point, and used some measurements from the Strad Viotti. I’m creating an instrument that is slightly larger than a standard violin, but smaller than a viola. I like the playability of the violin size, but I wanted to get a bit more meat out of the C string. I’m excited to hear how this sounds and continue to develop the model.

Model development and template making for new 5-string

This will be a 5-string violin – ribs, neck block, mould with blocks attached, front and back.

Ribs complete, outline drawn on the front and back plates.

Plates cut out.

5 String ribs, neck block cut out, top and back cut out.

Rough arching the top.

Rough arching the back.

The back- the rough marks are from a toothed finger plane.

Laura Wallace

Available for appointments in Powell River, Roberts Creek and Vancouver.